Actor Peter Graves Dies at 83 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 03-14-2010, 09:17 PM

Link

Peter Graves, the rugged actor who starred in the hit TV series "Mission: Impossible" and whose career took a comic turn in the disaster spoof "Airplane!" has died. He was 83.

Graves was found dead Sunday afternoon in front of his Pacific Palisades home from apparent natural causes, said Officer Karen Rayner of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Graves had just returned from brunch with his family to celebrate his upcoming 84th birthday. He collapsed on the driveway before he could reach his house, said Sandy Brokaw, his publicist. One of Graves' daughters administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation but was unable to revive him, Brokaw said.

Graves starred in more than 70 television series and feature films, typically playing the straight-laced hero. One of his first major roles was in the 1953 classic, "Stalag 17," in which he played an undercover Nazi spy placed among American POWs in a German camp.

His most memorable role was in "Mission: Impossible," the 1960s CBS series in which he played intelligence agent James Phelps, leader of the elite Impossible Missions Force. The show ran from 1967 to 1973 on CBS and 1988 to 1990 on ABC.

Every week, Graves could be seen listening to a tape of instructions for carrying out his team's secret missions. He won a Golden Globe in 1971 for his role.

"Mission: Impossible," along with other Western, military and action parts in the 1970s, branded Graves as an actor who could deliver solid, straight-shooting roles. But that changed in 1980, when he became the star of the comedy "Airplane!," in which he played Capt. Clarence Oveur, the bumbling pilot whose one-liners included, "Joey, do you like movies about gladiators?"

Graves initially turned down the role. "I read it and thought, 'Gee, this is dangerous,' " Graves told The Times in late 2009. "It was in terrible taste."

But the film's producer, Howard Koch, urged him to meet with the young filmmakers, David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker, who told him that they wanted somebody of stature and dignity to play the role "absolutely straight," Graves recalled.

"They say you are supposed to stretch as an actor, so let's go stretch it," he said.

He joined other actors known for serious roles, Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges and Leslie Nielsen, in the film.

Graves was born Peter Aurness in 1926 in Minneapolis, the son of a journalist and a businessman. Graves' older brother, James Arness, would later play Marshal Matt Dillon on "Gunsmoke." Graves adopted his grandfather's last name to avoid confusion with his brother.

He studied drama at the University of Minnesota until arriving in Hollywood 60 years ago. He married his college sweetheart, Joan Endress, that same year.

One year later, he landed his first movie role in 1951's "Rogue River." He later starred in the TV show "Fury," playing a horse rancher who befriends an orphan. The contemporary Western series became a hit and ran on NBC between 1955 and 1960.

"I wanted Peter Graves to be my dad," Jerry Zucker, who directed "Airplane!" told the New Orleans Times-Picayune in 1997.

During the 1990s, Graves hosted the documentary series "Biography" on A&E.

In an interview with The Times in December, Graves said he wasn't ready to retire. "There has got to be some good parts around for guys my age," he said.

Recent roles included a guest part on "House" and 11 episodes on "7th Heaven."

He recently read for a part on a TV series as a grandfather, Brokaw said.

In addition to his wife, Graves is survived by three daughters and six grandchildren

Cactus Jack · 03-14-2010, 09:45 PM

"Have you ever seen a grown man naked?"

RIP

MickeyMac · 03-14-2010, 10:47 PM

I liked him in Mission Impossible.

RIP

catlover79 · 03-14-2010, 11:11 PM

I am so sorry to hear that. "Joey, have you ever been in a Turkish prison?"

Family Ties Forever! · 03-14-2010, 11:22 PM

rip

Marvo301 · 03-14-2010, 11:26 PM

Lee · 03-14-2010, 11:41 PM

According to the article, he died of a heart attack. Rest in peace, Peter.

Lee · 03-14-2010, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

I am so sorry to hear that. "Joey, have you ever been in a Turkish prison?"

I don't get the connection with Peter Graves

catlover79 · 03-14-2010, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee

I don't get the connection with Peter Graves

That was one of his lines in the movie Airplane.

James28 · 03-15-2010, 01:18 AM

I've known Peter Graves since the mid-1960s. His brother James and I both share the same given name. Now he's passed away after 84 years (1926-2010, not 1927) (Zoneboy, do not say anything objectionable about this. He was one of my many friends).

Zoneboy · 03-15-2010, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim856796

I've known Peter Graves since the mid-1960s. His brother James and I both share the same given name. Now he's passed away after 84 years (1926-2010, not 1927) (Zoneboy, do not say anything objectionable about this. He was one of my many friends).

Who said he was born in 1927? Shame he died just 4 days short of his 84th birthday.

catlover79 · 03-15-2010, 02:01 PM

Here is a 2008 Today Show interview with members of the Airplane cast: Peter Graves, Leslie Nielsen, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Robert Hays and Jill Whelan. It's great!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/261848...38908#26638908

Janice · 03-15-2010, 02:02 PM

I didn't know his brother was James Arness, or maybe I forgot. Rest in Peace, Peter Graves. I enjoyed your talent.

browneyes106 · 03-15-2010, 02:18 PM

RIP Peter Graves

OH Nuts! · 03-15-2010, 02:50 PM

I enjoyed watching him on TV very much - may he rest in peace.

03-14-2010, 09:17 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,454	Actor Peter Graves Dies at 83 Link Peter Graves, the rugged actor who starred in the hit TV series "Mission: Impossible" and whose career took a comic turn in the disaster spoof "Airplane!" has died. He was 83. Graves was found dead Sunday afternoon in front of his Pacific Palisades home from apparent natural causes, said Officer Karen Rayner of the Los Angeles Police Department. Graves had just returned from brunch with his family to celebrate his upcoming 84th birthday. He collapsed on the driveway before he could reach his house, said Sandy Brokaw, his publicist. One of Graves' daughters administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation but was unable to revive him, Brokaw said. Graves starred in more than 70 television series and feature films, typically playing the straight-laced hero. One of his first major roles was in the 1953 classic, "Stalag 17," in which he played an undercover Nazi spy placed among American POWs in a German camp. His most memorable role was in "Mission: Impossible," the 1960s CBS series in which he played intelligence agent James Phelps, leader of the elite Impossible Missions Force. The show ran from 1967 to 1973 on CBS and 1988 to 1990 on ABC. Every week, Graves could be seen listening to a tape of instructions for carrying out his team's secret missions. He won a Golden Globe in 1971 for his role. "Mission: Impossible," along with other Western, military and action parts in the 1970s, branded Graves as an actor who could deliver solid, straight-shooting roles. But that changed in 1980, when he became the star of the comedy "Airplane!," in which he played Capt. Clarence Oveur, the bumbling pilot whose one-liners included, "Joey, do you like movies about gladiators?" Graves initially turned down the role. "I read it and thought, 'Gee, this is dangerous,' " Graves told The Times in late 2009. "It was in terrible taste." But the film's producer, Howard Koch, urged him to meet with the young filmmakers, David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker, who told him that they wanted somebody of stature and dignity to play the role "absolutely straight," Graves recalled. "They say you are supposed to stretch as an actor, so let's go stretch it," he said. He joined other actors known for serious roles, Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges and Leslie Nielsen, in the film. Graves was born Peter Aurness in 1926 in Minneapolis, the son of a journalist and a businessman. Graves' older brother, James Arness, would later play Marshal Matt Dillon on "Gunsmoke." Graves adopted his grandfather's last name to avoid confusion with his brother. He studied drama at the University of Minnesota until arriving in Hollywood 60 years ago. He married his college sweetheart, Joan Endress, that same year. One year later, he landed his first movie role in 1951's "Rogue River." He later starred in the TV show "Fury," playing a horse rancher who befriends an orphan. The contemporary Western series became a hit and ran on NBC between 1955 and 1960. "I wanted Peter Graves to be my dad," Jerry Zucker, who directed "Airplane!" told the New Orleans Times-Picayune in 1997. During the 1990s, Graves hosted the documentary series "Biography" on A&E. In an interview with The Times in December, Graves said he wasn't ready to retire. "There has got to be some good parts around for guys my age," he said. Recent roles included a guest part on "House" and 11 episodes on "7th Heaven." He recently read for a part on a TV series as a grandfather, Brokaw said. In addition to his wife, Graves is survived by three daughters and six grandchildren
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03-14-2010, 11:11 PM	#4
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	I am so sorry to hear that. "Joey, have you ever been in a Turkish prison?"
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

03-14-2010, 11:22 PM	#5
Family Ties Forever! Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 16, 2002 Location: Keaton residence Posts: 10,214	rip
	__________________ Jenny

03-14-2010, 11:26 PM	#6
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460
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03-14-2010, 09:45 PM	#2
Cactus Jack RonFingSwanson Forum Idol Join Date: Dec 09, 2001 Location: Santa Rosa Beach,FL Posts: 103,099	"Have you ever seen a grown man naked?" RIP
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03-14-2010, 10:47 PM	#3
MickeyMac Member Forum Star Join Date: Jun 18, 2008 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 19,008	I liked him in Mission Impossible. RIP

03-14-2010, 11:41 PM	#7
Lee veteran member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: May 23, 2001 Location: Pulaski, Tennessee Posts: 4,768	According to the article, he died of a heart attack. Rest in peace, Peter.

03-15-2010, 01:18 AM	#10
James28 Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 14, 2007 Posts: 3,991	I've known Peter Graves since the mid-1960s. His brother James and I both share the same given name. Now he's passed away after 84 years (1926-2010, not 1927) (Zoneboy, do not say anything objectionable about this. He was one of my many friends).

03-15-2010, 02:01 PM	#12
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	Here is a 2008 Today Show interview with members of the Airplane cast: Peter Graves, Leslie Nielsen, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Robert Hays and Jill Whelan. It's great! http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/261848...38908#26638908

03-15-2010, 02:02 PM	#13
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	I didn't know his brother was James Arness, or maybe I forgot. Rest in Peace, Peter Graves. I enjoyed your talent.

03-15-2010, 02:18 PM	#14
browneyes106 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 01, 2008 Posts: 6,094	RIP Peter Graves

03-15-2010, 02:50 PM	#15
OH Nuts! Member Forum King Join Date: Feb 15, 2005 Posts: 133,383	I enjoyed watching him on TV very much - may he rest in peace.